Abstract
THE human erythrocyte normally survives in the circulation approximately 120 days. The factors which limit the cell's survival are unknown. An important factor may be an age-related diminution in the activity of one or more enzymes vital to the cell1. A decrease in the activity of a key glycolytic enzyme, or enzymes, might be of particular importance because the mature human red cell derives virtually all its energy through glycolysis. Certain inherited enzymatic defects, both in the anaerobic glycolytic and in the pentose phosphate pathways of the human red cell, are associated with shortening of the lifespan of the cell2–5.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Eadie, G. S., and Brown, jun., I. W., Blood, 82, 1110 (1953).
Newton, jun., W. A., and Bass, J. C., Amer. Med. Assoc. J. Dis. Child., 96, 501 (1958).
Brewer, G. J., Tarlov, A. R., and Kellermeyer, R. W., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 58, 217 (1961).
Valentine, W. N., Tanaka, K. R., and Miwa, S., Trans. Assoc. Amer. Phys., 74, 100 (1961).
Carson, P. E., Brewer, G. J., and Ickes, C., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 58, 804 (1961).
Allison, A. C., and Burn, G. P., Brit. J. Hœmat., 1, 291 (1955).
Marks, P. A., Johnson, A. B., and Hirschberg, E., Proc. U.S. Nat. Acad. Sci., 44, 529 (1958).
Lohr, G. W., Waller, H. G., Kargas, O., Schlegal, B., and Muller, A. A., Klin. Wschr., 36, 1008 (1958).
Berstein, R. A., J. Clin. Invest., 38, 1572 (1959).
Prankerd, T. A. J., The Red Cell: An Account of its Chemical Physiology and Pathology (Thomas, Springfield, Illinois, 1961).
Powell, R. D., and Brewer, G. J., Klin. Wschr., 41, 200 (1963).
Schrier, S. L., Kellermeyer, R. W., Carson, P. E., Ickes, C. E., and Alving, A. S., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 54, 232 (1959).
Chapman, R. G., Hennessey, M. A., Waltersdorph, A. M., Huennekens, F. M., and Gabrio, B. W., J. Clin. Invest., 41, 1249 (1962).
Scheuch, D., Kahrig, C., Ockel, E., Wageneneeht, C., and Rapoport, S. M., Nature, 190, 631 (1961).
Brewer, G. J., Tarlov, A. R., Kellermeyer, R. W., and Alving, A. S., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 59, 905 (1962).
Brewer, G. J., Powell, R. D., and Alving, A. S. (in preparation).
Slein, M. W., Cori, G. T., and Cori, C. F., J. Biol. Chem., 186, 763 (1950).
Glock, G. E., and McLean, P., Biochem. J., 55, 400 (1953).
Zinkham, W. H., and Lenhard, R. E., J. Pediat., 55, 319 (1959).
Borun, E. R., Figueroa, W. G., and Perry, S. M., J. Clin. Invest., 36, 676 (1957).
Prankerd, T. A. J., J. Physiol., 143, 325 (1958).
Rigas, D. A., and Koler, R. D., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 58, 242 (1961).
Marks, P. A., and Gross, R. T., J. Clin. Invest., 38, 2253 (1959).
Brewer, G. J., and Powell, R. D. (personal observations).
Brewer, G. J., Powell, R. D., and Alving, A. S., J. Lab. and Clin. Med., 60, 861 (1962).
Fisher, R. A., Statistical Methods for Research Workers (Hafner, New York, 1958).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
BREWER, G., POWELL, R. Hexokinase Activity as a Function of Age of the Human Erythrocyte. Nature 199, 704–705 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/199704a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/199704a0
- Springer Nature Limited
This article is cited by
-
Codominant autosomal inheritance of polymorphic red cell acid phosphatases of lemurs and some properties of the enzymes
Biochemical Genetics (1977)
-
Glutathiongehalt und Glutathion reduzierende Enzyme in Erythrocyten verschiedenen Alters
Klinische Wochenschrift (1974)
-
Hexokinase Isozyme Patterns of Human Erythrocytes and Leucocytes
Nature (1966)
-
Role of Reduced Glutathione in Human Erythrocytes
Nature (1965)
-
Relationship between Activity of Pyruvate Kinase and Age of the Normal Human Erythrocyte
Nature (1965)